Shows
Beyond The BeaconHabemus Papam: Bishop Kevin discusses our new Pope: Leo XIVSend us a textBishop Kevin Sweeney shares his reaction to Pope Leo XIV's historic election. Our local church of Paterson rejoices with the Church throughout the world in the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the Successor to the blessed Apostle Peter. Jai Agnish co-hosts.Show Notes:https://beaconnj.org/statement-of-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-bishop-of-paterson-on-the-election-of-his-holiness-pope-leo-xiv-may-8-2025Thanks for joining us! Please like and subscribe!Email questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin Sweeney, and Cecile Pagliarulo for the Diocese of Paterson...2025-05-0908 minBeyond The BeaconWe reflect on Pope Francis and look to the conclaveSend us a text This special episode reflects on Pope Francis's legacy and considers what the future might bring. Joining Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish is Msgr. Geno Sylva, to share joyful memories of his interactions with the Holy Father while working at the Vatican for many years. Msgr. Geno is the rector of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. He is also vicar for Special Projects and serves as a Vatican appointee to the Dicastery for Evangelization. Also appearing on this week's episode is Msgr. Raymond Kupke, pastor of S...2025-04-3038 minBeyond The BeaconUniversity students, president share perspective on growing as peopleSend us a textBishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish visit the beautiful campus of Saint Elizabeth University in Morris Township, N.J., for a remote episode recorded by students in the university's studio. Interviews include Dr. Gary B. Crosby, president of the Catholic university, and several students in different years of study. Hear their perspective about learning and growing, and what the day-to-day life of a college student is like. The participating students are Jonathan Ramos, Kristina Ashton, Melissa Evers, Nicolas DiSciascio, Ta'Nasha Samuels-Wilkerson, and Zaa'Min Jones.Show Notes:https://www.steu.edu2025-04-2453 minBeyond The BeaconBishop Kevin answers your new email and social media questionsSend us a textWhat's better? A slice of pizza from the city or Jersey? What's the bishop's favorite book of the Bible? Favorite parable? In his second "mailbag" episode, Bishop Kevin Sweeney fields various questions from our viewers, listeners, and social media community. Jai Agnish and Cecile Pagliarulo take turns putting these questions and comments to the bishop and adding their own. Some topics are on the lighter side; for others, Bishop Kevin offers a deeper perspective on parish life, community, and more!Email questions and topic ideas for Bishop Kevin to beyond@patersondiocese...2025-03-2643 minBeyond The BeaconWhat it's like to be young and Catholic nowSend us a textThree young adults share their experience of being Catholic in today's culture. Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish interview Michael Inguanti, David Martinez, and Matt Pana of the New Jersey chapter of Young Catholic Professionals. The organization offers a way for young workers in their 20s and 30s to go deeper into faith, life, and work. Its members seek authentic friendships, a richer sense of purpose, and personal and professional excellence. "Above all, we’re here to help inspire modern-day saints," YCP's mission statement states. Michael is president of YCP...2025-03-1238 minBeyond The BeaconOpportunities for God's grace in the season of LentSend us a textAs we look to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, Bishop Kevin Sweeney offers practical advice about the Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. Guest Father Jared Brogan joins Bishop Kevin and Jai Agnish to help illuminate the meaning and purpose of these traditions. Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. Father Jared is the director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese...2025-02-2843 min
Three Elephant Power and Other Stories19 - Three Elephant Power and Other Stories by Andrew PatersonThree Elephant Power and Other Stories is a lively collection of tales by Banjo Paterson, offering a rich and humorous glimpse into the Australian bush. From daring horsemen to stubborn outlaws, Paterson’s stories bring to life the rugged landscapes, unique characters, and folklore of Australia’s past. Whether you’re a fan of humor, adventure, or just great storytelling, this collection is a must-listen.2025-02-2114 minThree Elephant Power and Other Stories18 - Three Elephant Power and Other Stories by Andrew PatersonThree Elephant Power and Other Stories is a lively collection of tales by Banjo Paterson, offering a rich and humorous glimpse into the Australian bush. From daring horsemen to stubborn outlaws, Paterson’s stories bring to life the rugged landscapes, unique characters, and folklore of Australia’s past. Whether you’re a fan of humor, adventure, or just great storytelling, this collection is a must-listen.2025-02-2108 minThree Elephant Power and Other Stories17 - Three Elephant Power and Other Stories by Andrew PatersonThree Elephant Power and Other Stories is a lively collection of tales by Banjo Paterson, offering a rich and humorous glimpse into the Australian bush. From daring horsemen to stubborn outlaws, Paterson’s stories bring to life the rugged landscapes, unique characters, and folklore of Australia’s past. Whether you’re a fan of humor, adventure, or just great storytelling, this collection is a must-listen.2025-02-2109 minThree Elephant Power and Other Stories16 - Three Elephant Power and Other Stories by Andrew PatersonThree Elephant Power and Other Stories is a lively collection of tales by Banjo Paterson, offering a rich and humorous glimpse into the Australian bush. From daring horsemen to stubborn outlaws, Paterson’s stories bring to life the rugged landscapes, unique characters, and folklore of Australia’s past. Whether you’re a fan of humor, adventure, or just great storytelling, this collection is a must-listen.2025-02-2105 minThree Elephant Power and Other Stories15 - Three Elephant Power and Other Stories by Andrew PatersonThree Elephant Power and Other Stories is a lively collection of tales by Banjo Paterson, offering a rich and humorous glimpse into the Australian bush. From daring horsemen to stubborn outlaws, Paterson’s stories bring to life the rugged landscapes, unique characters, and folklore of Australia’s past. Whether you’re a fan of humor, adventure, or just great storytelling, this collection is a must-listen.2025-02-2111 minBeyond The BeaconHow three people responded to their call to religious lifeSend us a textA religious sister and two brothers engage in a lively interview with Bishop Kevin Sweeney about how they discerned God's call to consecrated religious life. Sister of Christian Charity Chiara Marie Stimpfle, Franciscan Father John Aherne, and Franciscan Father of the Renewal Isaac Spinharney also share insights into prayer, retreats, and living in community. Bishop Kevin also reflects on the state of immigration enforcement in America and the recent letter from Pope Francis to the United States bishops expressing concern at mass deportations. "Are we treating each and every person like Jesus [and] a...2025-02-1444 minBeyond The BeaconHow this close-knit Catholic school community thrives nowSend us a textFor this remote episode, Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish visited All Saints Academy, a preschool through eighth-grade Catholic school of the Diocese of Paterson in Parsippany, N.J. The episode was recorded at St. Ann Church, where classes were being held temporarily. Joining them for interviews were Principal Leanne Gonzalez, Media Specialist Laura Carroll, and students Giulliana Lalo, Maggie Van Hoven, Matthew Sinche, and Grace Kwiatkowski. They discuss their close-knit school community, Catholic Schools Week, and learning and promoting "digital citizenship." After recording the episode, Bishop Kevin and Jai participated in a...2025-01-2332 minBeyond The BeaconMarch For Life: The powerful movement continues after 52 yearsSend us a textOn Jan. 24, 2025, the 52nd annual National March for Life will take place in Washington, D.C., bringing together pro-life advocates to be a voice for the voiceless. Two frequent attendees of the March, Julie McGurn, a parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison and coordinator of its Respect Life Ministry, and Russell Petrocelli, principal of DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne and state treasurer of the N.J. Knights of Columbus, discuss their experiences in the movement. Along with Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Cecile Pagliarulo, the guests also discuss how...2025-01-0928 minBeyond The BeaconHow to get involved in the Jubilee of 2025Send us a textPope Francis invites everyone to participate in the grace-filled Jubilee “Year of Hope,” which opens in Rome on Dec. 24, 2024, and in every diocese on Dec. 29, Feast of the Holy Family. Bishop Kevin Sweeney welcomes Sister Theresa Lee, F.M.A., and Brian Honsberger to the show to discuss the Diocesan-wide Jubilee events and liturgies, pilgrimages, education, and catechesis. Sister Theresa is the Chancellor and Diocesan Delegate for Religious, and Brian is the Executive Director of the Office of Evangelization and Diocesan Director for Mission and Technology Integration.Learn more here: https://rcdo...2024-12-2044 minBeyond The BeaconHow can the Church best involve young people in their faith communities?Send us a textHow can the Church best involve young people in their faith communities? This week, several students who attend DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne tackle this question with Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Cecile Pagliarulo. They also discuss how campus ministry has led them to build closer relationships with God. Led by the school’s campus minister, Annamaria Zaccardi, the students participate in service projects to help those most in need and assist with Masses and prayer services. They also participate in youth conferences and retreats. Thanks for joining us! Please like and...2024-12-1235 minBeyond The BeaconReworking the way we share the stories of our faithSend us a textHappy Thanksgiving from Bishop Kevin Sweeney, Jai Agnish, Cecile Pagliarulo, and all of us in the Communications Office of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J.! On this week's episode, Bishop Kevin and Jai discuss the difficult decision to close the print edition of The Beacon. It was recently announced The Diocese of Paterson would cease printing its beloved newspaper at the end of the year, concluding a 58-year publication run at the helm of four different bishops. The Beacon will live on in its new form: Beaconnj.org, where the important stories of...2024-11-2736 minBeyond The BeaconOn the ground, how the synod is breathing new life into the Catholic ChurchSend us a textWhat does the Synod on Synodality mean for the future of the Catholic Church, and will anything change in the Diocese of Paterson? Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish welcome Father Paul Manning and Maria Moncaleano back to Beyond The Beacon to discuss all this and more. Father Paul is the vicar for evangelization for the diocese, and Maria is the director of the diocese's Office of Hispanic Ministry. Together, they are the co-chairs of the Diocesan Synod Committee and, with Bishop Kevin, have led the Church of Paterson through the Synod on...2024-11-1444 minBeyond The BeaconCómo una universidad empodera e inspira a los estudiantes latinoamericanosSend us a textDescubre cómo la Universidad Seton Hall empodera e inspira a su población estudiantil latina con becas, conexiones profesionales y apoyo comunitario. En este episodio especial en español de Beyond The Beacon, el Obispo Kevin J. Sweeney conversa con el Padre Duberney Villamizar, junto con Lori Tarke y Daniela Miranda Calle. El Padre Villamizar es el párroco de Santa Margarita de Escocia en Morristown y el vicario de Asuntos Hispanos en la Diócesis de Paterson. Tarke es la directora ejecutiva del Instituto Latino Joseph A. Unanue en la Universidad Seton...2024-11-0719 minBeyond The BeaconHow one university empowers and inspires Latin American studentsSend us a textLearn how one university empowers and inspires its Latino student population with scholarships, career connections, and community support. Joining Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish this week is Lori Tarke, executive director of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute at Seton Hall University. Two scholar recipients from the institute – Christian Almestica and Daniela Miranda Calle – also share perspectives on embracing their Latin American heritage and becoming servant leaders in an ever-changing global society.SHOW NOTEShttps://www.shu.edu/latino-institutehttps://dopappeal.org/about.htmlhttps://www.pushkin.fm/p...2024-10-3134 minBeyond The BeaconLearn how giving impacts our communities in a special waySend us a textThis remote episode was recorded at the temporary location of The Father English Food Pantry in the heart of Paterson near St. Joseph's University Medical Center. Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish welcome Carlos Roldan and Tim Potter to the show. Carlos is the long-time founder and director of the food pantry going back to 1993. Tim has been the chief fundraising superhero for the diocese for the last 31 years. His formal title is Chief Development Officer, and he has, yet again, spearheaded the launch of our Diocesan Ministries Appeal – now underway. SH...2024-10-1742 min